Acetylene regulator issue

[lynnl]

I have a Victor oxy-acet rig I bought new 3 or 4 years ago, and have used very little. Started using it more the last 3 or 4 weeks, and yesterday noticed a problem with the acet. regulator.
When I first turn in the screw that opens the diaphragm and pressurizes the low pressure gage, it will pop and the needle will jump up, rather than rise gradually. (I'm only going up to 3 or 4 psi)

And then, when I open the torch acet knob the acet reg. will fluctuate (pretty rapidly), which is reflected in the flame.

I've not removed/disconnected any of the fittings since installing on the current tank, so can't imagine how any debris could've gotten into it.
I could understand a dirty tip maybe causing some fluctuation, but that's not a factor when I first pressurize it, since the torch is closed.

Any suggestions?

Is maybe the spring sticking? Should I oil the regulator? (Just kidding! :))

[Bob Ford]

Not sure I understand. Are you setting regulator with the torch valve open? This is how I was taught. If you set regulator without torch valve open you get false setting.

Bob

[PTSideshow]

Are you releasing the pressure on the regulator disk all the way. Each time you are done. So the T screw on the regulator is sloppy. It sounds like the disc in the regulator is popping from its last position. to the new setting even if it is around the same.
Does it do it if you set it at another pressure reading. Have you taken the tip out and checked for spider eggs or other bug living quarters they do seem to get in to the craziest places.

[radkins]

Not sure I understand. Are you setting regulator with the torch valve open? This is how I was taught. If you set regulator without torch valve open you get false setting.Bob


This is a diaphragm type regulator here not a choke valve and there is no need to open the torch valve to set the gauges, you will do nothing more than just waste gas. There might be some logic to that method if the torch had to be opened wide open during use for some reason and regulator pressure was to be absolutely precise but I could not imagine such a situation. If you set the regulator to, for instance 8 PSI, and then light the torch it will still be at 8 PSI.

[boslab]

sounds like your cylynder may need a refill, i only get the oscillating needle/popping strange sounds with a nearly empty bottle or when its very cold in the gas compound [summer here!] my contents gauage is a liar!
regards
mark

[rbjscott]

If it is popping it is bad and can be dangerous. In shops when a reg. pops. they are changed. Most times they bleed gas, at least have it checked.